A thank you to my travel partner

Jols… you've just left Singapore and I'm alone in my hotel room - yes, that one with the delightful view of the hotel generators - feeling very at loss.

It did indeed all start with a short facebook message. Little did I know that momentary thought to ask you to accompany me would have turned out to be one of the best moves I’ve ever made. Over those four intense months it was an absolute pleasure getting to know you and experiencing the trip of a lifetime together. Not only was I lucky enough to see all those amazing sights and meet all those weird and wonderful people; but I made a fantastic friend for life out of it.

You are one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. You literally had me giggling across the globe. We know what the headline would be:

‘Bubbly Brit dies’
Laughter thought to be the cause of blonde Steph’s sudden death. Fellow bubbly brunette Brit – Julie – to blame.

Even in times of desperation – when faced with cockroaches and food poisoning in Fiji, partaking in the longest traditional Indian sit down meal in the world (which you especially enjoyed), and your dramatic three-part fall into a boat in Malaysia – you’d always have something witty to say to ensure my cackle of a laugh.

It got to the stage where just one look at your face and I knew what you were thinking so I’d have a good chuckle. Don’t think I didn’t see your shoulders shake with laughter that day as my head was smacked repeatedly during what we hoped would be a relaxing head massage in Penang. You then set me off laughing and I had to think of a serious issue – such as global warming or the War on Terror – to override the damn giggles.

Anyway, I just want to say thank you for being the best travel buddy. For being so naturally easy going and someone with such interesting stories and experiences. For being such a great support if I ever was in need of a hug or simply someone to talk to. I am also thankful we both share a suffering of singing tourettes – it enables me to feel more comfortable about my Kelly Clarkson obsession.

I will never forget our T-Pain ‘Julie: take it out your pocket and show it; Steph: throw it’ dance. God save me if I ever forgot to throw it after you’d shown it! I won’t forget those blonde conversations we had and aspirations to further our education with google (did you ever find out what Quebec is?). And I certainly will keep in memory the throwing of Teriocka pudding and Brendan the $3 waste (I mean, investment) of a wombat across many a hotel room.

I will really miss you as I stay longer in Oz but know I’ll see you when I return to England. Thank you for everything – you made the trip. Lots of love, Stiff xxx